Option B: Visual And Performing Arts In Education

Option B Visual And Performing Arts In Educationthe Local School Boa

Option B: Visual and Performing Arts in Education The local school board is considering cutting funding to the arts programs in your school. Your principal was impressed with the tours you gave and would like you to write a report on the value of the arts in your school. As a passionate advocate for the arts, your report should highlight the great courses and extracurricular activities from your Week 1 presentation and explain why the arts deserve to be funded. Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper in which you: · Provide examples of both visual and performing arts, along with specific terminology from the course to describe how a person encounters the arts. · Explain why the arts are important to our humanity. · Include anecdotes from successful professionals (e.g., business leaders, entrepreneurs, celebrities) who explain why they are patrons of the visual and performing arts. · Explain how the arts contribute to a culture of diversity. · Include a reference page and format your references according to APA guidelines.

Use a citation generator, such as the Reference & Citation Generator in the Center for Writing Excellence for guidance on formatting your reference list using APA format. Consult the References Ensure your assignment addresses the criteria in the grading rubric. Submit your assignment.

Paper For Above instruction

The arts—comprising visual and performing arts—are fundamental facets of human expression and cultural development that enrich student experience and contribute significantly to individual and societal growth. In educational settings, these disciplines foster creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence, thereby making a compelling case for sustained funding amidst budget constraints.

Visual arts, including painting, sculpture, photography, and digital media, serve as powerful mediums for self-expression and societal commentary. For instance, students encountering arts through meticulous observation and analysis develop skills in visual literacy—the ability to interpret, negotiate, and make meaning from images (Freedman & Lemke, 2000). Specific terminology, such as “composition,” “perspective,” and “medium,” helps students articulate how artists use elements like line, color, and form to evoke emotion or convey message. In my school, courses like Drawing and Digital Photography enable students to engage with these concepts actively, fostering both technical skills and interpretative understanding.

Performing arts, including music, dance, drama, and theater, engage students through live or recorded performances and encourage active participation. Encountering performing arts involves sensory experiences rooted in techniques such as “improvisation,” “choreography,” “stage presence,” and “vocals,” which describe how performers convey emotion and narrative (Baumol & Bowen, 1966). Extracurricular activities like the school choir, drama club, and dance team exemplify how students develop discipline, teamwork, and expressive capabilities. These arts provide a dynamic platform for personal growth and community engagement—key components of a holistic education.

The importance of the arts to our humanity cannot be overstated. They serve as vessels for cultural identity, histories, and collective memory, allowing us to understand diverse perspectives and foster empathy. According to the National Endowment for the Arts (2015), participation in the arts enhances emotional well-being, promotes social cohesion, and nurtures the innate human need for self-expression. For example, a student’s participation in a multicultural play can foster understanding and respect among peers of different backgrounds, thereby strengthening social bonds and cultural appreciation.

Many successful professionals attribute their achievements and character to their engagement with the arts. Business leader and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey emphasizes how her background in speech and drama contributed to her confidence and communication skills (Winfrey, 2013). Similarly, renowned entrepreneur and creator of Apple Inc., Steve Jobs, famously credited his interest in calligraphy—an art form—for influencing his focus on design and aesthetics in technology (Isaacson, 2011). These anecdotes underscore how arts patrons often experience personal and professional growth, reinforcing their commitment to supporting arts programs.

Furthermore, the arts cultivate a culture of diversity by providing platforms for marginalized voices and promoting inclusivity. Artistic expressions from different cultures—be it traditional dance, indigenous crafts, or multilingual theater—serve as vital tools for celebrating heritage and challenging stereotypes (Rajagopal, 2020). In our school, multicultural art exhibits and international music festivals help students appreciate global perspectives, fostering an environment where diversity is valued and embraced.

In conclusion, funding for arts programs is an investment in the cultural, emotional, and intellectual development of students. Visual and performing arts engage learners through specific terminology and techniques, serving as vital components of a comprehensive education. They are essential to understanding our humanity, fostering diversity, and preparing students for a vibrant, inclusive society. Supporting arts education empowers future generations to think creatively, empathize deeply, and contribute meaningfully to the world.

References

• Baumol, W. J., & Bowen, W. (1966). Performing arts—The economic dilemma: Artistic excellence and financial viability. The American Economic Review, 56(2), 495–502.
• Freedman, K., & Lemke, J. L. (2000). Visual literacy. In D. C. Berliner & R. C. Calfee (Eds.), Handbook of educational psychology (pp. 674-691). Academic Press.
• Isaacson, W. (2011). Steve Jobs. Simon & Schuster.
• National Endowment for the Arts. (2015). The arts and human development: Learning, arts engagement, and a state of well-being. NEA Office of Research & Analysis.
• Rajagopal, S. (2020). Art and identity: A cultural approach. Cultural Anthropology, 35(4), 612–645.
• Winfrey, O. (2013). The wisdom of Sundays: Life-changing truths. Flatiron Books.